Science Teacher, Grades 8-12

Required Degrees: 4-year degree
Fields of Expertise: Science,   
Salary: Negotiable

Details: Panajachel Colegio Internacional (PCI) is seeking a dedicated educator who are
passionate
about student learning, cultural diversity, and community involvement. We are a small
(70
students) non-profit school located in the Guatemalan highlands next to beautiful Lake
Atitlan.
The town has a population of 12,000 and the lake is surrounded by indigenous villages,
each with
its own character. Safety is not a concern in our area. PCI offers a unique opportunity to
be part
of a school that is growing and committed to academic rigor, nurturing the entire child
and
empowering the indigenous population. Class sizes are far below most schools, and
teachers are
encouraged to employ a variety of instructional and assessment strategies. PCI alumni
attend
universities in Guatemala, the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America and other countries.
All core
classes are taught by a team of a Guatemalan teacher and an international educational
consultant, in English. Other classes are taught in Spanish. English mastery is an
important
aspect of learning in each core subject area.
PCI provides a welcome escape from the myriad of demands and stresses currently
being
experienced by many teachers in the U.S. and abroad. The school is located on Lake
Atitlan, one
of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Teaching at our school appeals to a number of
different
groups: teachers who take a one-to-two-year leave of absence from their U.S. teaching
jobs in
order to remember why they chose teaching as a career; teachers who have retired but
want to
continue teaching in a far less stressful environment; young teachers starting their
teaching
careers who want a more cross-cultural experience and more personal coaching;
teachers who
want to learn Spanish by immersion in a Spanish-speaking country; teachers who want
to be part
of an empowering social project, and seasoned international teachers who want to work
and live
in a smaller, less stressful environment. Forbearance is possible for those with student
loan
obligations.
At PCI you will find students grateful for their learning opportunities. You will not need to
deal with
indifferent and arrogant overindulged students and their helicopter parents.
We have extensive chemistry, physics and biology lab equipment, extensive micro-
controller and
electronics supplies and tools. ceiling-mounted digital projectors, acomputer lab, and
small
classes of motivated students. You will work with a Guatemalan co-teacher. We have an
excellent teaching team and an experienced director. We provide extensive professional
development. And Guatemala is an excellent place to learn Spanish, if that is of interest
to you.
Our primary focus is empowering the indigenous population through a high-quality
university-
preparatory education. Fifty percent of our students pay reduced tuition. This has an
impact on
our operational budget, and thus salaries and benefits. Rest assured that you will be able
to
cover your living expenses in Panajachel with the salary we provide. A number of
teachers are
able to save money as well. Please apply if this sounds appealing to you. If you are ready
for a
truly exciting, unique experience helping to build Guatemala’s future, please send your
resume,
cover letter, and three references to us.
BENEFITS
Teachers who stay on for the following school year are paid in July and August. We will
purchase
a plane ticket for you to come to Guatemala, and a van ticket for your trip from the airport
to
Panajachel. We offer ten personal/sick days per school year. Returning teachers may
carry their
unused days forward into the new school year, when they will be available only as sick
days.
Job Description:
General Purpose
To plan, organize and implement an appropriate instructional program in a learning
environment
that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential.